Jumping is a dog training topic that is commonly brought up in classes. Jumping is actually a normal behavior for canines. It is an acceptable greeting from dog to dog that develops from the time they are puppies and jump up to lick the food from their mother’s lips. However, this joyous display towards people can be everything from annoying to dangerous.

Dogs that jump on people can dirty or rip clothing, scratch skin, and knock you down. It is especially dangerous for young children and the elderly. How many times has your beloved “Brutus” embarrassed you by launching at your guests, planting muddy paws on your friends, or flattening your neighbor? You are not alone! Don’t despair – the solution is more basic than you may think, the utilization of some basic dog training techniques will  put your mind at ease when company arrives.

First you must realize that your dog really doesn’t understand that jumping is not acceptable in human culture. To them it may as well be like shaking hands to us. They need to be taught what the proper way is to meet and greet people. Even though you may have heard things like “Just knee them in the chest” or yell “Off!”, these responses are still acknowledging them while they are doing something inappropriate. By speaking to them or touching them (no matter how roughly), they are still getting a “reward” by you paying attention to them. Physically wrestling them is going to rile them up and they may jump back at you with even more determination. As hard as it can be, and as overly simple as it may seem, you must IGNORE them.  Ignoring means NO words, NO hands (or knees!), and NO eye contact. You may have to turn away and “make like a tree” facing away from them with your hands out of reach.

As soon as “Buster” is back on all four feet, ask him to “sit”. Then he can receive as much petting, praise, and treats as you like. Think of this step as :

FOUR ON THE FLOOR.  Just remember that they can not have ANYTHING (food, pats, words, eye contact) unless all four feet are on the floor. The second step is to teach an AUTOMATIC “SIT” response. The second they stop jumping, ask for a “sit” and reward like crazy. Once you are getting a fast response to this sequence, start ignoring them until they “sit” before you have to ask. You are circumstantially teaching them an incompatible behavior. They quickly realize that to get what they want, the faster they “sit”, the faster the fun comes. No matter how smart or agile your dog may be, they simply can not jump and sit at the same time!

While you are instituting this new dog training greeting protocol for your pet, consistency is key. Every time you give in and pat your dog for jumping on you, or even yell at them during the event, you will confuse them. They can’t determine why jumping on you is okay one minute and not the next.

You can’t just tell a dog what is wrong, you need to show them what is right.

 If you have a regular flow of traffic at your home, it will be easier to speed up the learning curve for your dog not to jump on people at the door. Take a minute to put your dog on a leash before opening the door, and make sure you have treats handy. Regardless of whether or not your visitor insists “Oh I love dogs… it’s ok, he’s just excited”, ask them to ignore “ Simba” just until he sits.

Try to not ever tell your dog “down” for jumping. If you do more dog training, you will make the word “down” mean to lie down. The word “off” has no meaning to them YET, but it can be so easy for them to learn to “SIT” their way to success!

Dream Dogs is owned and operated by Lori Wainio-Carman, who has a proven track record of animal training for events, obedience, agility, behavior modification, and tricks.  Her training methods focus on promoting the proper relationship between dog and owner in order to achieve maximum results in minimal time. Dreams Dogs offers positive dog training services to clients in the Coachella Valley from Palm Springs to Indio, including Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Desert Hot Springs.

We can Train Any Dog! Contact us at (760) 899-7272 or email lori@dreamdogs.com.
Visit our website for upcoming classes www.dreamdogs.com
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